Experiences in Belize
GRAB YOUR OAR AND GET OUT THERE.
CANOEING
Whether you’re a beginner at canoeing or really know your way around a boat, we have the waterways for any paddling traveler. Tour companies and jungle lodges also cater to canoe travelers, with some of the best areas being on the Mopan and Macal Rivers in the Cayo District. There, you can paddle through the jungle, see wildlife, then make your way through little villages to get a look at how life is in less traveled areas. As long as you’re there, you may want to dock your boat and take a jungle hike or stop and say hi to the villagers. After all, just because the river keeps going doesn’t mean you can’t stop and make some new friends.
TRAVELERS, MOUNT UP.
HORSEBACK RIDING
In fact, some of our most beautiful places can only be accessed on foot or hoof.
Horseback riding tours can be arranged through many resorts or tour operators. Popular tours travel through the jungles of the Cayo District, or you can see Maya sites like El Pilar, Xunantunich and Cahal Pech.
In northern Belize, you can find horseback riding at the Mennonite community of Blue Creek. Saddle up and explore unexcavated Maya mounds and the farmlands and planes, stretching across the region. It’s a ride you surely won’t forget.
THE BIG ONES ARE ALWAYS BITING IN BELIZE.
FISHING
From spi to fly to trolling, our abundance of game fish guarantees excellent sport fishing all year round. Since many rivers empty into the Caribbean Sea, you’re practically guaranteed a daily catch, not to mention the fact that our guides have no problem sharing their own “secret” spots with guests.
Explore Turneffe Atoll, which provides you with some of the most desired areas in the world for fly-fishing. Bonefish, permit and tarpon are everywhere here. In fact, Belize is one of few places where you can fish a Grand Slam—bonefish, permit and tarpon all in the same day. How many times do you get to win a Grand Slam on a vacation?
DIVE RIGHT IN
SCUBA DIVING
Divers from all over the world come to Belize for a diving experience unlike anywhere else. We’re home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and three of four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere, with drop sites inside and outside of the reef. From masters to newly certified divers, there’s a dive site for everyone here in Belize.
DISCOVER WHAT’S HAPPENING BENEATH…
SNORKELING
Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, our knowledgeable local guides will help you explore the kaleidoscope of colors found in hard and soft corals, sponges, and over 500 species of fish and marine life.
There are hundreds of snorkeling sites of varying depths along the Belize Barrier Reef. Every snorkel spot is a little different from the other and if you go back to the same spot, each time you will see something different.
From schools of fish, to turtles, to the occasional barracuda, there’s a lot going on underwater. Check for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
THE MYSTERIES OF MAYA WITHOUT THE TRAPS OF TOURISM.
ARCHAEOLOGY
With only a small percentage of our ancient Maya temples uncovered, it’s not uncommon to come across ancient pieces of pottery or hear that a distant hill is actually a temple.
Whether you want to explore for an afternoon, a day or a week, the ancient Maya sites are well worth it. All sites are managed by the Institute of Archaeology and have interpretive centers, as well as trained guides to show you around.
From Caracol and Cerros to Lamanai and little villages and forest areas, pretty much anywhere you go here, you’ll find ancient Maya temples. Get your hat and whip ready, Belizean-a-Jones.
THE OPEN TRAIL IS WAITING FOR YOU.
HIKING
As intimidating as some of our trails may look on a map, don’t worry. Most are designed in loops so you easily return to your starting point. Some trails are self-guided, some require the expertise of a licensed tour guide who can point out birds, wildlife and local plants.
Whatever level of hiker you consider yourself, we have the trail to match what you’re looking for. Take a day tour or spend several days camping—either one provides you with the chance to encounter exotic tropical plants and birds, or to see wildlife, including howler monkeys, crocodile, or the tracks of the elusive jaguar and tapir (just hope they’re only the tracks).
SET SAIL FOR ADVENTURE.
SAILING
Hidden coral heads make navigation tricky, so if you’re up for it, this could be your most rewarding sailing experience ever. If not, charter a boat and let our people do the work. It’s your vacation. Spend it the way you like.
TAKE TO THE SEAS, SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS.
KAYAKING
Look down on the clear waters to see the reefs, fish, rays and sea turtles. Overhead there are migratory birds and sunshine for days. By the way, pack some sun screen.
Coastal and island resorts offer kayaks for short excursions up the beach and around the islands while professional kayak outfitters offer multiday packages that operate from a single base camp. Or you can do an island hopping tour. Either way, when the water calls, we have the answer.
GET TO KNOW OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS.
BIRDING
Over 500 species of feathered friends call Belize home from time to time. Some of the best places to see migrant and resident water birds are Crooked Tree and the seashores of Belize.
Like everything else here, you can easily watch birds while doing something else. Going on a zip-lining trip? You may see a toucan. Cruising the Hummingbird Highway to San Ignacio? Pull over and check out a few birds. In the Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve? So are birds.
If you want someone to show you birds, our resorts and tour operators offer birding trips that will show you all the birding hot spots. So, no matter if you just want to check out a few exotic birds or you’re a full-blown “twitcher,” here, all you really have to do is look up.
EXPLORE THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNDERWORLD…
CAVING
We have thousands of caves in Belize. They range from easy walks to challenging hikes that can often turn into squeezes, crawls, climbs, rappels and swims. Choose your cave accordingly.
In most caves, you’ll find extensive stalactite and stalagmite formations and pottery shards. Others have ancient intact pottery (Che Chem Ha) and human remains (sometimes intact skeletons, like in Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave) and other natural formation such as underground waterfalls (Blue Creek, Caves Branch). Just about the only thing you won’t find in our caves is boredom.
